Observation / Reflection #5: What Just Happened?
For this reflection, describe an activity that you have taught and reflect on how it went. Write your reflection in your Evernote notebook using the lesson reflection model introduced in class and located here to write your reflections. Copy your reflection and paste it into the wikipage linked below:
Name: Nathaniel Coolidge
Lesson Title: Phases of Matter
Observation Date: 11/15/13
Activity: Using PowerPoint slides and direct instruction to help students understand the beginning of chemistry by discussing the different phases of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and the properties associated with each.
Remembering: What did I want, do, feel, and think? What did the student(s) want, do, feel, and think?
I wanted students to understand how important this introduction into chemistry was as it is the foundation that they must build off of. Additionally, I wanted students to take away that three of the phases of matter were solids, liquids and gases that have different properties, which make them unique. I conveyed this message across but as I was explaining different situations my nerves took hold and caused me to express this nervousness through my body language. The students were interested in the material but did not ask as many questions. I know that they did learn the material based on the questions they answered but I believe that they are weary of me as they do not know me well yet.
Understanding: What was important about it?For me? For the student(s)? For both of us?
It was important because it is the beginning of the chemistry unit and an abstract concept. If students can understand this material then they can build off of this introductory knowledge and be successful with later concepts. For me it was an important first step to introducing myself as their student teacher and for them to understand my teaching style, which will help the both of us later on when student teaching begins.
Applying: Where can I use this again?
I can use this experience again to remember that there is nothing to be nervous about when teaching them. I can take this knowledge and apply it to my future lessons in teaching this particular section as well as other sections in this school. I will be better prepared next time when giving direct instruction.
Analyzing: Do I see any patterns in what I did?
The patterns that I noticed are that my delivery of the material did not have much confidence and that I remained stationary when I was presenting the material. Although I did move around in the same general area I did not walk around the desks to make sure that all students were taking appropriate notes. I also noticed a bit of hesitation when I was talking about some of the material I was not as familiar with.
Evaluating: What was effective and what was not effective?
I was effective in the timing of presenting the material and getting the information across to the students. I was not effective in being engaging and asking appropriate questions to evoke more student participation.
Creating: What could I do next?
I could become familiarized with the material more, which would cause my nerves to subside and allow me to present the material confidently. The hope is that the confidence will make students more comfortable with participation and thus allow for a lively discussion. Furthermore, with more confidence my passion to teach may also allow for students to be more comfortable with participation.
For this reflection, describe an activity that you have taught and reflect on how it went. Write your reflection in your Evernote notebook using the lesson reflection model introduced in class and located here to write your reflections. Copy your reflection and paste it into the wikipage linked below:
Name: Nathaniel Coolidge
Lesson Title: Phases of Matter
Observation Date: 11/15/13
Activity: Using PowerPoint slides and direct instruction to help students understand the beginning of chemistry by discussing the different phases of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and the properties associated with each.
Remembering: What did I want, do, feel, and think? What did the student(s) want, do, feel, and think?
I wanted students to understand how important this introduction into chemistry was as it is the foundation that they must build off of. Additionally, I wanted students to take away that three of the phases of matter were solids, liquids and gases that have different properties, which make them unique. I conveyed this message across but as I was explaining different situations my nerves took hold and caused me to express this nervousness through my body language. The students were interested in the material but did not ask as many questions. I know that they did learn the material based on the questions they answered but I believe that they are weary of me as they do not know me well yet.
Understanding: What was important about it?For me? For the student(s)? For both of us?
It was important because it is the beginning of the chemistry unit and an abstract concept. If students can understand this material then they can build off of this introductory knowledge and be successful with later concepts. For me it was an important first step to introducing myself as their student teacher and for them to understand my teaching style, which will help the both of us later on when student teaching begins.
Applying: Where can I use this again?
I can use this experience again to remember that there is nothing to be nervous about when teaching them. I can take this knowledge and apply it to my future lessons in teaching this particular section as well as other sections in this school. I will be better prepared next time when giving direct instruction.
Analyzing: Do I see any patterns in what I did?
The patterns that I noticed are that my delivery of the material did not have much confidence and that I remained stationary when I was presenting the material. Although I did move around in the same general area I did not walk around the desks to make sure that all students were taking appropriate notes. I also noticed a bit of hesitation when I was talking about some of the material I was not as familiar with.
Evaluating: What was effective and what was not effective?
I was effective in the timing of presenting the material and getting the information across to the students. I was not effective in being engaging and asking appropriate questions to evoke more student participation.
Creating: What could I do next?
I could become familiarized with the material more, which would cause my nerves to subside and allow me to present the material confidently. The hope is that the confidence will make students more comfortable with participation and thus allow for a lively discussion. Furthermore, with more confidence my passion to teach may also allow for students to be more comfortable with participation.